There are a variety of different ways to whiten your teeth, and which way is right for you will depend on a few different factors.If you only need minimal whitening, you may be able to simply use a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash. Ifyour teeth are very yellow or the shadedoesn’t seem to change withthese types ofoptions, you’ll want to speak with your dentist about whether or not you are a candidate for professional teeth whitening.
WhatIsProfessionalTeeth Whitening?
For patients that want to see a major difference in the appearance of their teeth, professional whitening is the way to go.There are many benefits tovisiting a dentist for professional whitening services, such as:
•the type bleach that is used
•the turnaround for results
•and the services being performedunder the supervision of a qualified dental professional
Dentists have access to the best quality bleaching agents—meaning they can make your teeth brighter and whiter than you can with at-home over-the-counter treatments.With certain procedures, you may even see a massive change in the whiteness of your teeth in as little as one procedure!Having a dentistoversee your whitening also shouldn’t be overlooked. Many people have trouble with at-home treatments like dental strips and—without the supervision of a dentist—they could risk doing damage to their teeth. With professional whitening, youcan feel assured that you are whitening your teeth the right way.
The Procedures(and Their Costs)
There are two main professional whitening services that you’ll want to consider—at-home or in-office whitening. Both of these have their advantages and disadvantages.At-home whitening, for instance, costs less—generally around $250 per treatment. In-office whitening, on the other hand, often costs around $500 per treatment.With in-office whitening, though, you will see immediate results. Some patientsactually find that their teeth are 3-5 shades whiter after an in-office treatment.
Still, the cost (or other factors) may dissuadecertain patients.If this is the case, at-home treatments may be the best option. With at-home treatments, the dentist creates a custom tray for the patient, which they use toadminister the at-home bleaching solution.If the patient has strong teeth and notices littleirritation, they may be able to administer the solution for extended periods of time. For patients with more sensitive teeth, the tray may only be able to be worn for a couple of hours a day.While it may take longer for a patient to see results with an at-home treatment, the results they do see will be phenomenal.
Am I A Candidate?
Sadly, not everyone is a candidate for professional teeth whitening. Because the bleaching solution canbe tough on teeth that lack strong enamel, your dentist maynot recommend professional whitening for you.If this is the case, they may suggest less intensive treatments like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, or an electric toothbrush.
Renaissance Dental Center, in Raleigh NC, offers professional teeth whitening. Contact our office today to start your consult or schedule your services today.
If you're just interested in learning more about teeth whitening, here's some information on some of the risks associated.
